Role of the County Judge

Often thought of as the County’s Chief Executive Officer, a County Judge has a large range of judicial and administrative powers, as well as, serving as the presiding officer over the Commissioners’ Court.

Article 5 Section 15 of the Texas Constitution states “There shall be established in each county in this State a County Court, which shall be a court of record; and there shall be elected in each county, by the qualified voters, a County Judge, who shall be well informed in the law of the State; shall be a conservator of the peace, and shall hold his office for four years, and until his successor shall be elected and qualified.”

Duties

The Midland County Judge is a voting member of the Midland County Commissioners’ Court who works with the other members of the court to approve the County budget and implement county government operations within the business of the County. Other duties the County Judge is responsible for are:

• Monitors legislative matters pertaining to county business at the State Legislature
• Oversees county capital projects including infrastructure and community based projects
• Presides over beer and wine license hearings, as well as weddings
• Presides over a five-member Commissioners’ Court
• Presides over Probate Court where decisions regarding Estates, Guardianship and Mental Illness are heard
• Proposes the County Budget for each fiscal year
• Receives and Canvasses elections
• Represents and serves on boards and committees on behalf of the County
• Serves as authorized signatory on contracts and agreements for the County
• Serves as the County’s Emergency Management Director for emergency preparedness and response within the county
• Serves in Dignitary capacities for county government
• Works closely with all departments on efficiently serving the public

Continuing Education

Although a Judge must be well-informed of the law, there is no requirement for them to have a legal degree or license to practice in the capacity of County Judge. However, the County Judge is required to earn sixteen continuing education credits annually related to their duties; and, retrieve and practice legislative updates and mandates within their responsibilities of the position.